Increased Police Presence, Classical Music Being Used To Combat Rowdy Teenagers in Chinatown

WASHINGTON - If you have walked around Chinatown on the weekend, you know it can be a pretty busy place. But police say the warmer weather draws even more teenagers to the area, sometimes causing trouble.

Chinatown is home to some of the best food, retail, and entertainment in Washington, D.C. It attracts locals and tourists, but on Friday and Saturday nights, it can become pretty rowdy with teenagers.

“The streets were so crowded and it became dangerous to walk because the kids were out on the street, the cars were trying to go by, they would pushing and shoving and running,” said Nanette Paris, President of the Downtown Neighborhood Association.

She remembers it would get really bad, but claims things have improved a bit.

“There’s been a lot of positive movement here. We have a dedicated police detail right here for Chinatown/Gallery Place,” said Paris.

Because of complaints and random crime, D.C. Police have beefed up patrols. Some young men told FOX 5 on Friday said there are some bad apples, but authorities seem to crack down on everyone.

The Smithsonian has also come up with a clever idea to keep kids from hanging out and trashing the steps of the National Portrait Gallery. Recently, it put in speakers to play classical music at night.

Some residents worry with summer vacation just around the corner, what happens on the weekends will take place here every night.

Some even think it is time for stricter curfews. Currently the curfew is at 11 p.m. for teenagers. But on June 24, that is extended to midnight for the summer months.